Frequently Asked Questions
Appstinence is a working definition. These are not meant to be comprehensive answers. Have more questions? Send them to us at hey@appstinence.org
What is considered "technology that is designed to be addictive?"
This definition is ever-changing, but it generally refers to technology that is designed to intensely capture attention through "persuasive design" features like infinite scroll and captivate us through persuasive design features like infinite scroll and variable reward. Think of mediums like short-form video on TikTok, and notifications on platforms like Instagram and X. The most common form of addictive technology that people use are social media platforms, often for personal or recreational reasons.
Isn’t “appstinence” basically just digital minimalism?
No, it’s specifically a firm push for young people to remove social media from their personal lives.
Why can’t I just self-regulate my use instead of delete my social media accounts altogether?
A common argument is that if we just had the most perfect system, the bulletproof “screen time” blocks, and the right digital literacy, we could flawless control our tech use. The reality of this falls so short. While this is an approach, here at Appstinence we believe that this practice is more trouble than it’s worth considering the alternatives. Here’s a common situation:
“I really want to stop watching so many Instagram Reels, but my friend's group chat uses Insta DM. I decided I will just try to be really good about not clicking on the Reels tab, and just check the DMs.”
There’s two problems with this. First, this is really difficult, and most likely will end in watching Reels. Second, this is unneccessary. There are group messaging services that do not have infinite scroll, and keep you just as in-touch.
Additionally, “keeping up” with your friends is more than seeing a TikTok they sent, it’s spending quality time with them and showing them you care about what’s going on in their lives. Give them a call instead or arrange to meet up. However, a larger issue arises: if a bunch of teenagers are dead-set on using Instagram to communicate, it would be really hard for one teenage girl to decide to be appstinent. This problem requires a societal redress, one that necessitates collective action to edit the ecosystems youth are in.
Not using these platforms eliminates so many unnecessary battles. Even if you’re good about controlling your use, it isn’t necessary to drain your willpower and mental energy doing this. There are other ways.
But I use it to entertain myself, why should I be less entertained? That’s boring.
There are a plethora of other fulfilling, high-quality ways to be entertained that do not condition you for compulsive use. The quick dopamine hits of social media certainly feel good, but are not good for your willpower, agency, and cognition. Life is so rich, let’s go find out why!
But if I delete social media then my friends won’t talk to me as much.
First, there are many other ways to stay in touch with friends using technology that is not scroll-based, addictive social media. Phone calls are really good for that Second, being open and transparent with your friends about your lifestyle builds connection in and of itself! It allows them to know you better and what your values are. Also, if you lose friendships because you don’t want to specifically look at 100 TikToks a day, ask yourself if that person was really your friend in the first place.
But I use it for school, for study groups and stuff.
This is a growing issue. As social media creeps into the fabric of society, it is becoming harder and harder to avoid using these compulsive platforms to sufficiently participate in other facets of life. Our current solutions encourage workarounds such as using text chats instead of DM chats. This way you can still meet up, but you don’t have to contend with an interface that is so trapping.
But if I delete my account then I won’t understand the TikTok jokes my friends make and the latest fashion trends.
Appstinence doesn’t mean that you should never watch a TikTok again or see a meme your friend sent. It just removes the large channel of consumption that is the personal account. Think of it as choosing not to keep cookies in your house, but when you go out you’ll indulge once in awhile. If there is some trend worth knowing about (but also ask yourself if most trends are even worth knowing about…) then ask a friend to update you. Think of it this way, if something is really that funny or important, it will make its way to you. Ironically, in the digital age we are so immersed that even the most appstinent of appstinent will still see these mediums once in awhile.
Is this a religious group? Appstinence sounds like abstinence, Ya know like the sexual kind.
We are not religiously nor politically affiliated in any way. The people who join come from all walks of life.